Horatio a



(No Model.) I

v H. A. FOSTER.

SYSTEM OF ARC LIGHTING.

No. 472,346. Patented Apr. 5, 1892.

UNITED ST I'IORATIO A. FOSTER, OF NEl/V YORK, N. Y.

SYSTIE OIF ARC LIGHTING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. $172,346, dated April5, 1892.

Application filed J aunary 29, 1891. derial No. 379,593- (No model.)

To all whom it may concernh Be it known that I, HORATIO A. FOSTER, acitizen of the United States, and a resident of New York city, in thecounty and State of NewYork, have invented a new and useful Improvementin Are Lighting, of which the following is a description.

The danger due to electric leakage on hightension lighting-circuits andthe numerous accidents and deaths of careless or disobedient linemen indisregarding the proper precau tions against receiving currents fromsuch circuits have of late called for more reliable insulation andprotection of high-potential conductors, while the increased danger incase of fire renders ready local control of the various parts of suchconductors not only desirable, but essential to the free and fearlessoperatious of a fire department. Recent investigation of the systems nowin general use have shown them to be far from reliable, if not,in-

deed, actually unsafe, in any but the most usual and favorablecircumstances. For the purpose, therefore, of supplying this urgent needand of fully obviating the various objections to the systems in use Ihave invented the system hereinafter set forth, which, by completeinsulation and protection against abrasion of the exposed conductors andby the complete isolation of the operating parts by inclosing them intightly-sealed boxes in almost immediate connection to earth, affordspracti cal security against dangerous leakage and perfect harmlessnessof the exposed parts, while by enabling any one to cut off the currentfrom lamps or other parts of the circuit and leave the parts out outcompletely disconnected I secure perfect safety in adjusting or handlingthem. By my construction, also, when any of the operating parts becomedisordered or make partial connections with their inclosing cases aground is at once formed on the line at such point, greatly reducing thelocal danger and indicating to the lightingstation that there is troubleon the line.

To these andsimilar ends my invention consists in the apparatusconstructed, arranged, combined, and operated substantially in themanner hereinafter illustrated, described, and claimed, reference beinghad to the IGCOmPEr refer to like parts.

nying drawings, forming part of this specification, wherein- Figure l isan elevation of one type of my invention; Figs. 2, 3, and 4, detailviews thereof; Fig. 5, an illustration of my junctions formed by mymethod; Fig. 6, a View of my lamp as used without lamp-post, and Figs. 7and 8 diagrammatic views of circuit connections.

In the several views like reference-letters -In Fig. 8 is shown thegeneral scheme of circuits. The underground or other suitably insulatedand isolated mains U are led to my lamps through protected passages,such, in case of lamps used on iron lamp-posts, as the tubular bore ofthe post B. I place an operating-switch on, in, or near the post andinclosed in a hermetically-sealed moistureproof box W. The switch, ofany desirable double break or dead cut-out type, is operated by a handleV, insulated from the switch and protruding from the box through amoisture-proof orifice.

In Fig. 9 the switch is shown in diagram in the left-hand loop-circuit,the lamp being in circuit. In Fig. 7 the Roman numerals respectivelyshow the switch in position to include the lamp in intermediate positionwhile 'being turned and in position to cut the lamp 8o out.

By these views it will be seen that when the lamp is cut oif the twolamp-conductors are completely disconnected from the live circuit andare connected together. The position II shows that the main circuitisclosed around the lamp before the lamp-conductors are disconnected,while in cutting in the lamp the lamp-conductors are connected beforethe shunt around the lamp is broken. Thus a continuous main circuit isassured. go

The details of the lamp-post connections are shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Thecon nectious from the main circuit are led up inside the lamp-post to aconvenient height and there pass into the switch-box W, which I preferto place on the side of the post covering a hand-hole therein. I omitthe details of this switch, as I have already indicated its functionsand general type and as any such type may be selected according to thecurrents and zoo other requirements of each individual case. The box Wis preferably of iron and applied directly to the iron post, thusaffording ready passage to earth of any leakage of current at. 5 thispoint. This feature, however, I do not regard as of great importance.The wall of the switch-box covering the opening in the post is providedwith nipplesf, in which are carefully-reamed holes for the several con-IO ductors fitting the insulation on the underground condnctors U andthe post or lamp conductors P leading from the switch to the lamp. Theedges of these holes are carefully rounded away to prevent abrasion ofthe insulation. The conductors may be of the many varieties having aninner rubber or similarinsulation Q surrounded by braided or textileinsulating protection. Inmost cases the underground wires are inaddition incased in lead sheathing. I form my junction in three or fourslightly-modified ways. Some of these are fully set forth in myapplication filed on the 24th day of October, 1890, and seriallynumbered369,196, and in that case 25 my broad-method claim is presented. I firstlay bare the rubber or equivalent insulation. By equivalent in thisconnection in this case I mean insulation that may be softened by heatand so secured in my junction. If no such insulation is found upon theconductor, a small piece of rubber tubing maybe slipped over the end ofthe conductor as a substitute. Having prepared my conductor in either ofthese ways, I insert it in the orifice till the 3 5 outerpartially-removed portions come snugly against the mouth of the orifice.If the rubber or other insulation be sufficiently snug and elastic, itsexpansion force will retain the parts firmly in position without furtheras- 0 sistanee. In practice, however, I have found that on gentlyheating the nipplef the insulation firmly cements the parts in position.In this manner I secure perfect insulation and security against abrasionand moisture, while 5- doing away with the expensive insulatedstuffing-boxes now in use for such purposes. The junction thus formed isshown in detail in Fig. 5. In the claims, however, except whereexpressly limited to the method just set forth, 5:; I include, whenreferring to my junctions, the forms and ways of forming set forth inthe application above referred to. It will be understood that theconducting parts inside the switch-box are thoroughly insulated from thebox, and, the box being quite moisure-proof, there will be no decreaseof insulation in damp weather. From the box my post-conductors lead tothe head of the post, whence they are led out to the lampsupportingframe D through small orifices in the post-head. They are preferablysecured at these points by plugging the holes with some moisture-proofmaterial (Z. The side rods of my lamp-supporting frame are preferably ofsemi-tubular shape, as indicated, since not only are they thereby muchstronger for a given weight of material, but they afford aprotecting-channel for the lamp-terminals. These lampterminals N areinsulated and are preferably incased in lead sheathing.

They-are introduced into the box F of mylamp, which is supported underand by the hood E, surmounting the frame D, through nipplesf. \Viththese they make junctions of the kind just described and shown in Fig.5. My lamp-terminals are about three feet long and form an integral partof my complete lamp. When my lamp is in position,theya-re laid andsuitably secured in the channels of the supporting-frame D and areconnected with the ends of my post-conductors by marine or similarinsulated and sheathed joints 0. The details of my lamp are shown inassembly in Fig. 2 and in detail in Fig. 4. The lamp mechanism isinclosed in and insulated from the iron box F. This box isprovided witha flange L, having the cushion M on its underside. vAgainstthiscushionisheld,when in position, the globe 1-1. To the bottom of theglobe is secured by screws or otherwise the insulating globe support orgallery J. This is held in position by the hand bolt or screw K,provided with an insulating-head and screwing into or otherwise fittedto the bottom of the yoke Gz My lamp-yoke G is secured, either with orwithout intervening insulation, to the bottom of the lamp-box. Thenegative carbon clamp or holder S is placed in its usual position on theframe, but is thoroughly insulated therefrom. Its connection with thelamp mechanism is effected by an insulated conductor R, introducedthrough a snugly-fitting orifice in the bottom of the lamp-box. This Iprefer to form as shown in Fig. 5. It is clear that the completeinsulation of the box from the negative carbon could be accomplished,with the omission of insulation at S, by providing interveninginsulation between the box and the frame G, as above suggested, andcarrying the conductor R from the lamp mechanism directly to the upperend of one of the side rods G. My positive or upper carbon holder isinsulated from the box by insulating-bushing or by an air-space. Itsupper end is kept from contact with the projecting holder-case in anydesirable manner. The exposed parts of my box, above and outside of theflange L, are hermetically sealed. The bottom, also, save around thepositive-holder rod, is preferably closed in like manner. In this way Iobtain a practically-continuous inelosing case about my lamp, consistingof the box sealed on its exposed surface, the globe in moisture-proofcontinuation thereof, and the insulating globe-support J, with its screwK. Practically the only opening to the air is the restricted spacebetween the globe and its support. The air so admitted is, when the lampis burning, so increased in temperature that it becomes practically dry,while at all times high insulation is preserved and surface creepinglargely prevented.

Fig. (3 illustrates my lamp in use withouta lamp-post. In this and inlike uses, as the conductors are exposed to abrasion, the leadconstructions in certain cases.

casing of the terminals N and of the connections to the switch shouldnot be omitted.

This is, however, a matter of choice. With my form of lamp insulationbetween the lamp and its support is not needed. In use with conductinglamp-posts it is preferably omitted, since any slight deterioration inthe insulation is then readily noted in making the routine tests of theline-insulation. Indeed,- I hold it one of the many desirable featuresof my system that when the insulation of any part becomes out of order,deteriorates, or is exposed to moisture the almost direct con-. nectionto earth by the outer sheathings, boxes, &c., causes the disturbance tobecome apparent in the reduced insulation-resistance of the line whenthis is next determined. It will also be seen that I have devised asystem at negligible increase of expense that is in effect a completesystem of electric conductors, in which the operating parts arethoroughly insulated and ineased in protectin g-boxes, the other partsare entirelysheathed in insulating material, and the whole, save theglobe of the lamp, is inelosed in a practitieally-eontinuous metalliccasing in ready connection with earth.v I do not, however, in all myclaims so limit myself to these many restrietionsand limitations, butdesire to fully protect myself as well cally.

The act of cutting out my lamps or other loop-circuit to which my systemmay be applied is, too obvious to need explanation, while the removal ofthe lamp-globe and the other parts and their restoration are mattersthat will be readily understood by all familiarwith the analogous art.When a lamp is removed or replaced, it'is enlynecessary to make or'tobreak the joints 0 and replace or remove the lamp with its terminalsentire. This renders breaking of the sealand opening of the lampboxunnecessary. The repairs may be made by responsible parties, thu leavingit almost impossible for the carelessniss of the ordinary lineman toresult in injury or death either to himself or to others.

The switch-box W is designed to be aecessible from the sidewalk, so thatthe current may be readilyshutoff in case of need. While I do not inthis case show myform of switchbox as embedded in the road-bed,sidewalk, or building-wall, I contemplate using such These features are,however, fully setforth in my application above referred to, and so,having set forth in this case one type of my complete invention, Idesire to secure by Letters Patent the several variations and types ofthe devices covered by the terms of the following claims. By theexpression completely inclosed, re-

generically-as specififerring to the movable lamp mechanism,I do

not, of course, mean that the positive-carbon holder does not projectdownward from out of the lamp-box, nor does the opening through saidlamp-terminals external Such construction would doubtless interferematerially with its free operation and be accordingly faulty. Soby theexpression positive-carbon holder I do not mean that my device is notequally applicable to alternate currents, but merely indicate the upperor movable holder, which is usually the positive in continuous-currentlamps.

. Having thus setforth my invention, I claim the following:

1. In an arc lamp, the metallic lamp-mechanism box insulated from thecurrent carrying parts of the lamp and provided with a flange for theupper edge of the lamp-globe, the yoke, the negative-carbon holderinsulated from the lamp-box walls, a globe inclosing the yoke andholder, and a globe-support J, secured to the yoke by suitable means,and lamp-terminals suitably insulated and inclosed in metalliccasings,substantially as set forth.

. 2; In combination, inan are lamp, the lampoperating mechanism, aninelosing metallic box insulated therefrom. and hermetically sealed onits exposed sides, the insulated lampterminals introduced into the boxthrough snugly-fitting orifices and cemented thereto, metallic casingsaround the portions of the p to the said box, the yoke secured to thelamp-box and bearing the negative-carbon holder, said holder beingcompletely insulated from the lampbox, the main-circuit connection fromthe holder to the lamp mechanism, the globe held in position between aflange on the lamp-box and an insulating globe-support J, and insulatedmeans, as K, for securing the support in place, substantially as set forh. v

3. A hollow lamp-post for are lamps, containing insulating andsuitably-protected eonductors, surmounted by a lamp-supporting framecarrying the hood E, and having tubular or semi-tubular side rods D forprotecting the lamp-terminals, substantially as set forth.

4. In combination, a hollow conducting lamp-post surmounted by alamp-supporting frame and hood, alamp held therein having its operatingmechanism inclosedin and ins'ulated from a conducting-box hermeticallysealed on its exposed portions, the yoke secured to the lamp-box andbearing the negative-carbon holder, insulated from the lampbox, themain-circuit connection from the said holder to the operating mechanism,the globe held in position between a flange on the lamp-box,'and aninsulating globe-support secured to the yoke by an insulated screw, theinsulated and protected lamp-termin als leaving the box orifices andcemented therein, leading down the side rods of the supporting-frame tothe head of the lamp post and there connected with insulated andprotected post-conductors by means of insulated and protected joints, ahermetically-closed box on or near the post, containing a double-breakcut-out switch opthrough snugly-fitting 4 meme erated by an insulatedhandle extending In testimony hereof I affix mysignature through thebox-Wall, the said post-conductthis 22d day of January, 1891.

01s being led to the switch thron h moisture- 1 r w 1 proof junctions,and the insulaFed and pro- HORAHO BOSHLR tected mains led up inside thepost; and in- Witnesses:

troduced into the switch-box through similar J. W. HENRY,

junctions, substantially as setforth. BERNARD LEVEY.

